Ingredients:
– 500g white fish, such as cod or haddock
– 3 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
– plain flour, for dusting
– vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Start by preparing the fish. Rinse it well under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, cut it into small pieces, removing any skin, bones, and/or fins. If using canned fish, be sure to drain it well and flake it with a fork.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the fish, mayonnaise, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or spatula to combine everything well. The mixture should be firm and slightly sticky, but not too wet or dry. If it’s too dry, add a little more mayonnaise. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
3. Sprinkle some plain flour onto a clean surface, then use your hands to shape the fish mixture into small patties or balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. You can make them thicker or thinner depending on your preference.
4. Heat some vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the fish cakes, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to flip them over and handle them carefully so they don’t break apart.
5. Once the fish cakes are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot, with your choice of dipping sauce, salad, potatoes, or bread.
Tips and variations:
– You can use different types of fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, or trout, depending on your taste and availability. Just make sure the fish is fresh and not too oily or dry.
– You can add other seasonings or herbs to the mixture, such as lemon zest, cumin, chili flakes, dill, or coriander. Experiment with different flavors and combinations to suit your mood and occasion.
– You can also bake the fish cakes in the oven instead of frying them, to make them healthier and less messy. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and place the fish cakes on a tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with some olive oil or melted butter, then bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
– Leftover fish cakes can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat them, use a microwave or a hot oven, and make sure they are fully heated before serving.
In conclusion, making fish cakes according to the recipe is a simple and delicious way to use up leftover fish and create a satisfying meal for yourself or your family. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can cook up a batch of crispy and flavorful fish cakes that are sure to impress. So give it a try and bon appétit!